Cabela's
Bass Pro Shops · United States
Cabela's is an American outdoor recreation retailer founded in 1961 in Chappell, Nebraska, by Richard (Dick) Cabela, later joined by his brother Jim. It sells hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear and has been part of Bass Pro Shops since 2017.
| Founded | 1961, Chappell, Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Founders | Richard N. Cabela, Jim Cabela |
| Headquarters | Sidney, Nebraska, United States |
| Parent | Bass Pro Shops (since 2017) |
| Website | cabelas.com |
What is Cabela's?
Cabela's is a specialist outdoor retailer headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska. It sells merchandise for hunting, fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor recreation through large destination stores and direct channels.
History
The business began in December 1961 in Chappell, Nebraska, as a mail-order operation started by Richard N. Cabela, with Jim Cabela joining in 1963. It grew through catalogue sales before expanding into retail. Bass Pro Shops announced its acquisition of Cabela's in October 2016 and completed the deal in September 2017.
Distribution
Cabela's stores are known for wildlife exhibits and a destination shopping experience. The largest, in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, covers more than 250,000 square feet. Following the merger, many locations were rebranded as Bass Pro Shops, leaving 49 Cabela's-branded stores by April 2025. Direct sales through catalogue and online orders remain part of the model.
Why it matters
Cabela's is a long-standing example of catalogue-to-retail growth in American outdoor retail, and of experiential, large-format stores designed as destinations in their own right. Its combination with Bass Pro Shops created one of the largest outdoor retail groups in North America.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Cabela's?
Cabela's has been owned by Bass Pro Shops since the acquisition was completed in September 2017.
Who founded Cabela's?
Cabela's was started in 1961 by Richard (Dick) Cabela in Chappell, Nebraska, with his brother Jim joining in 1963.